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Loni McElhinney

“I became interested in the Medical Laboratory Technology program because I had always enjoyed the laboratory components of my science classes, and I wanted a career in the medical field.  “Once I was accepted into the program, I found the instructors to be personable and knowledgeable, and they made me feel well prepared for my clinical rotations. Lisa Lock and Denise Griffin always make sure that everyone understands the material and really want their students to succeed. 

“I believe that my education from El Centro will enable me to easily find employment in a laboratory when I finish the program. There are so many areas and options in the laboratory field, and I personally hope to work in microbiology. 

“I have applied to the distance learning program at the University of Texas Medical Branch to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory sciences. I feel confident that the Medical Laboratory Technology program at El Centro prepared me for higher education in the laboratory sciences.” 

Loni McElhinney received her associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology in June 2008 from El Centro and was named the program’s 2008 Outstanding Student. Immediately after graduation, she was hired as an MLT by the blood bank at Medical Center of Plano, where she types patients’ blood and tests it for antibodies to ensure that they don’t have a negative transfusion reaction when receiving donor blood.


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Myriah Stevens

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas
“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”
Radiologic Sciences
Kristy Sweeney

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography
“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas
“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Loni McElhinney
Loni McElhinney
Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Center of Plano Blood Bank
Medical Laboratory Technology
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025